Can Oral Sex Cause Herpes?

Do cold sores protect against other forms of herpes? Can oral sex cause herpes infections? Those are among the questions readers recently posed to the Consults blog. Here, Dr. Peter A. Leone, associate professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Public Health, provides his expert advice.

Cold Sores and Immunity Against Herpes?Q.I've had cold sores since I was a kid. I've always wondered: does my body have any degree of immunity or anti-bodies to the genital version of herpes? Thanks,L, Washington, D.C.A.Dr. Peter Leone responds:

Cold sores are almost always caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1; genital herpes, on the other hand, can be caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2.

HSV-1 infection may reduce your risk of acquiring genital HSV-2 infection, but not by much. You are, however, protected from acquiring genital HSV-1 infection, but you need to still take steps to protect yourself from acquiring HSV-2. Be safe(r) in your sex practices.

Herpes and Oral SexQ.Q: Can I get genital herpes if my husband (who only has outbreaks around his mouth and nose) touched my genitals with his mouth during an outbreak?teachergirl, texasA.Dr. Peter Leone responds:

Yes. Oral sex is a common way to transmit the herpes simplex type 1 virus from an individual's mouth to the genital tract of a partner. Up to 50 percent of new genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1. The recurrence rate of genital HSV-1 is low, with on average one outbreak in the first year after acquiring infection and less than one outbreak a year thereafter.

HSV-1 is not associated with increasing the risk of acquiring H.I.V. through sexual intercourse but can cause infection in the newborn.

To learn more, see Dr. Leone's additional responses in the Related Posts section, below, and The Times Health Guide: Genital Herpes, which includes an interview with Dr. Leone, "Understanding Genital Herpes."

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